Gun owners in WA confused by upcoming firearm laws

Gun owners in Western Australia are worried about a lack of communication from WA Police as new firearms laws are set to take effect on March 31. Many feel they do not have crucial information about the changes and are unsure how to comply. Gun owners are facing uncertainty regarding limits on the number of guns they can own and other new regulations. Retailers have become the main source of information for many firearm owners while WA Police have not answered many questions from media outlets about the changes. One gun retailer, Matt Begutter, said he still has not received guidelines for the assessments required when applying for a firearm license. He mentioned that customers often come to his store for guidance, but the rules change frequently, making it hard to provide reliable information. Some gun owners, like Ross Gebert, are directly affected by the laws. After a government buyback program closed, he had to sell a gun to avoid being charged with illegal possession. Many gun owners recently discovered their firearms are now banned, adding to their confusion. Efforts to reach WA Police for clarification have not been successful for several owners. Gebert reported that his inquiries have gone unanswered for days. Despite assurances from the government that support would be provided, responses from the police have been slow and insufficient. Nationals MP Peter Rundle criticized the handling of the new laws, calling it confusing. He suggested delaying the implementation date until communication issues are resolved. WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch acknowledged that not everyone will be satisfied with the new laws but emphasized that public safety is the priority.